New chapter for Dorworth is titled “Lobbyist”

Former Rep. Chris Dorworth, a Lake Mary Republican in line to become a future House Speaker until his upset defeat on Election Day, has reemerged as a lobbyist.

Ballard Partners, the major lobbying firm led by Republican fund-raiser Brian Ballard, announced Tuesday it has hired the three-term lawmaker to run its Orlando office. Florida law bars former legislators from lobbying their ex-colleagues for two years after leaving office, but Dorworth is eligible to work the governor’s office, Cabinet and state agencies.

“”Having the opportunity to join Florida’s leading public affairs firm is an incredible beginning to the next chapter in my career,” Dorworth said. “I look forward to contributing to the already exceptional team at Ballard Partners and building a strong, first
class public affairs presence in Central Florida.”

Dorworth lost by a 146-vote margin to Democrat Mike Clelland. Dorworth, who was set to take the top job in the House in 2014, became the first speaker-designate to lose re-election since Democrat Sam Bell in 1988.